Certificate in Law

Just as lawyers benefit from a better understanding of related disciplines, so do students preparing to enter other fields gain from knowledge of the legal issues facing their future professions.

Our Certificate of Study in Law gives Penn graduate students an opportunity to become immersed in important legal topics in the areas of their academic interests.

Certificate Program Opportunities & Requirements

LAW 511 - Intro to US Law and Legal Methods is required.﻿ This course is offered in the summer, fall, and spring semesters.

Successful completion of four courses in the general area of Law and related issues.

Take a minimum of three of these courses at Penn Law. One additional course may be taken at the Law School or may be approved from related courses in any of the University’s graduate and professional schools.

These courses may be completed at any time during the candidate’s graduate studies.

Students must achieve at least a grade of B- in all courses counting toward the Certificate.

The Certificate of Study in Law will be granted by the University of Pennsylvania Law School faculty to Penn graduate students who successfully complete its requirements.

How to Register

Students must be currently enrolled in a graduate program or professional school at the University of Pennsylvania.

Qualified students should express their interest by sending an email to Sherita Ragins at sragins@law.upenn.edu. The email should include:

Your Name

Your Program of Study and Department

A brief statement of your interest in studying at Penn Law and an idea of the courses and/or topics you would be interested in exploring (to learn more about course offerings at Penn Law, please click here. The Dean of Students or his designate will meet with interested students to individually tailor a program that meets their academic interests (optional).

Candidates will be accepted into the Law Certificate program courses according to the generally established procedures for non-Law students studying at the Law School please click here for additional registration information.

If you have already taken a course or two at Penn Law and wish to enroll in the Certificate Program, the Associate Dean or his/her designate may authorize the consideration of these courses toward your completion of the program. We strongly recommend contacting the Associate Dean before you enroll in Penn Law courses to assure that the courses you select will count towards your Certificate.

Please Note:

It is expected that many Law courses will have openings for graduate students in most years. In any given semester, however, graduate students cannot be assured of available spots in all classes. They will be accepted into any Law courses which have not been fully subscribed by Law matriculants.

Certificate candidates are encouraged to participate in the Penn Law community and to attend events and symposia.

We know the value that different perspectives bring to our law school classes. We welcome and support all students from the many schools of the University who take classes with us, complementing their studies in other disciplines with studies in law – be it one class or many, earning a Certificate in Law or the distinction that comes with a Master in Law degree.